Typewriting machine



P. A. JACKSON 2,020,145

TYPEWRITING MACHINE Filed Jan. 23, 1953 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 Nov. 5, 1935- n 5 R s 5 a 7%. m 5 a 1i S I lll MM J N% 0 N M m M Nov. 5, 1935- P. A. JACKSON TYPEWRITING MACHINE Filed Jan. 23,

1953 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 M5 ATTOR/VEK Nov. 5, 1935. P. A. JACKSON 2,020,145

TYPEWRITING MACHINE /7/.'s A T TORNEY Patented Nov. 5, 1935 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE mawm'rmo MACHINE Philip A. Jackson, Dayton, Ohio Application January 23, 1933, Serial No. 653,003

' 37 claims. (01. 197-126) This invention relates to a. typewriting machine and is designed more particularly for typing. bills and the like on continuous webs of paper.

One object of the invention is to provide a simple eflicient feeding mechanism for moving the webs across a stationary platen.

Av further object of'the invention is to provide a machine of thiskind in which the superimposed webs will be so supported with relation to a platen that carbon paper may be interposed between the adjacent webs and the webs moved with relation thereto across the platen.

A further object of the invention is to provide such a machine with means for separating superimposed webs to permit the same to move freely with relation to the interleaved carbon paper.

A further object of the invention is to provide such a machine in which the carbon paper is advanced from time to time across the platen to enable the full width of the-sheets of carbon paper to be utilized; and to this end it is a further object of the invention to provide means for simultaneously advancing the webs and the sheets of carbon paper and for moving the carbon paper a distance less than the distance that the webs are moved.

A further object of the invention is to provide such a machine comprising a platen unit and a type unit both of which are movably mounted and either of which may be locked against movement while the other is free to move.

A furtherobject of the invention is to provide such a machine with key controlled means for advancing the movable unit step by step, the controlling mechanism being of such a character as to control the movement of whichever unit is free to move.

A further object of the invention is to provide means controlled by the relative movement of the two units paper feeding mechanism.

Other objects of the invention will appear as the mechanism is described in detail.

In the accompanying drawings Fig. 1 is a vertical sectional view taken through a machine embodying my invention, and partly broken away; Fig. 2 is a side elevation of a portion of such ,a machine; -Fig. 3 is portion of the platen unit showing the paper feeding device; Fig. 4 is a front elevation of the platen unit, partly broken away; Fig. 5 is a front elevation'of a portion of the type unit showing the ribbon support; Fig. 6 is a longitudinal sec tional View of the paper feeding device; Fig. '7 is a section taken on the line 1- -1 of Fig. 1; Fig. 8 is a transverse section taken on the lineB-il of,

movement.

to actuate the web and carbona sectional view of the u er pp other and the platen unit is provided with a plat- Fig. 1; and Fig. 9 is a plan view of the escapement for controlling the movement of the movable unit.

In these drawings I have illustrated one embodiment of my invention but it will be understood 5 that this particular embodiment has been chosen for the purposes of illustration only and that the mechanism may take various forms without departingfrom the spirit of the invention.

In the particular embodiment here illustrated 10 the machine comprises a base In on which is mounted a type unit II and a platen unit l2. Both units are capable of movement lengthwise of the base In and, as here shown, each unit is mounted on anti-friction bearings l3. Means are provided for locking either unit against movement and this locking means is shown as consisting of pivotedfingers l4- and IS, the fingers l4 being mounted on the base for movement into engagement with the respective ends of the type unit so as to hold that unit against movement, and the fingers l 5 being mounted on the base for movement into engagement with the respective ends of the platen unit to hold that unit against Obviously one unit might be permanently fixed against movement but I prefer that both units shall be movable and means provided under the control of the operator for looking a selected one of them against movement, as this type of machine is more adaptable to different classes of work. 1

The platen unit comprises a frame having upright side members I6, for the forward edges of which are, in the present instance, sloped upwardly and rearwardly. members of this frame a suitable distance above the base Ill is a non-rotatable platen H which, as here shown, comprises a bar rigidly secured at its ends to the two frame members and having a curved front surface over which the webs of 40 paper are moved. Means are provided for supporting one or more webs of paper beneath the platen and these webs are preferably supported on the type unit itself so that they will move with that unit. The particular mechanism here shown is designed for use with webs consisting of a succession of bill forms folded one upon the form IS on which a pile I! of folded bill forms may be supported and from which'the web or webs 20 may be led about a guide, such as a roller 2|. thence'upwardly across the platen I'I. While it is usually. preferable to support the webs upon the platen; unit it is sometimes desirable to support the webs independently of the platen l6 Mounted on the side unit, as by placing the same upon the table in the rear of the machine. When this is done it is desirable that there should be a relatively long stretch of web between the web supply and the platen unit so that the unit may move with relation to the web supply without tearing the webs or displacing the pile of forms. For this purpose I have shown in Fig. 3 a guide roller 22 mounted on the upper part of the frame of the platen unit and the webs are led from the web supply on the fixed support upwardly over this guide roller 22, thence downwardly and about the guide roller 2| to the platen.

A suitable feeding device 23 is mounted on the frame members It of the platen unit beyond the platen I! for movement toward and from that platen and is provided with means for gripping the superimposed webs and moving them across the platen. While the machine may be used with one or a plurality of webs, bill forms are usually typed in multiple copies and therefore two or more superimposed webs are employed, the webs being usually superimposed one upon the other before they are folded into bill length so that all the webs are contained in one pile. Usually bill forms of this kind are provided in their heads or upper ends with holes adapted to receive filing pins after the typed forms have been severed from the webs, and the feeding mechanism here provided utilizes these holes for the purpose of connecting the feeding device with the webs, but any suitable web gripping device may be employed. The feeding device is here shown as mounted on the inclined edges of the frame members 16 for movement parallel with those edges. While this arrangement is not essential it is preferable because it avoids the use of a guide between the platen and the feeding device, which would be necessary if the feeding device traveled at an angle to the face of the platen and by eliminating the guide I am enabled to movethe feeding device close to the platen so that it is necessary to project the succeeding forms a short distance only beyond the platen in order that the feeding device may properly engage the same,'and consequently data may be typed on the forms close to the upper ends or headsthereof.

The feeding device mayTtake various forms 1 but, as here shown, it comprises two parallel members or bars 24 and 25 rigidly connected one to the other and spacedapart to receive between them the superimposed webs. The outer bar 24 is of greater length than the inner bar 25 and has inwardly or rearwardly extending flanges 26 which are spaced from the ends of the inner bar 25 to form guides which receive the edges of frame members l6 and slidably support the feeding device on those frame members. Mounted on the outer bar 24 are pins 21 which project inwardly across the space between the two bars and which preferably enter openings 28 in the inner bar. These pins extend through the file openings in the webs and serve to positively con,

of the feeding devir' and the pins then caused to enter the file openings. Preferably means are provided for simultaneously retracting both pins 21 and this means may comprise levers 90 pivotally mounted on the bar 24, having fingers 9| extending beneath the respective resilient arms, and having operating parts 92 arranged to be simultaneously actuated by the operator. It will be understood that this threading operation is necessary but once for each web that is placed in the machine, as the webs are not withdrawn from the feeding device, after they have been once connected therewith, until the supply of webs has been exhausted.

The feeding device may be actuated in various ways but, in the present instance, it is secured at each endto the forward stretch of a sprocket chain 30. Each of these chains extends about a sprocket wheel 3| mounted on the frame below the platen and about a second sprocket wheel 32 mounted near the upper end of the frame, and the chains are supported on the inner sides of but close to the two frame members. Driving sprocket wheels 33 mesh with the rear stretches of the respective sprocket chains to impart feeding movement thereto and these sprocket wheels 33 are rigidly secured to a. shaft 34 which is rotatably mounted in the frame members. Rigidly connected wtih the shaft 34 is a ratchet wheel 35 adapted to be engaged and actuated by a' pawl 38 which is pivotally supported at its lower end on an actuating lever 31 which is here, shown as a yoke-shaped lever having itsJateral portions pivotallymounted at their rear ends on the respective side members of the frame and having its forward transverse portion 38 projecting slightly beyond the forward side of the platen unit. A spring 39 acts on the pawl 36 to hold the same normally out of engagement with the ratchet wheel and the pivotal movement of the pawl is limited by a stop 40. It will be apparent 40 therefore that each upward movement of the actuating lever 31 will cause the pawl to engageland actuate the ratchet wheel and thereby move the space the successive lines of typing on the forms.

This operative movement may be imparted to the actuating lever and web feeding mechanism in any suitable manner. In the present machine,

I have provided means whereby it will be accomplished automatically by the relative movement of the two units and also means whereby it may be accomplished manually, at the will of the operator. The manually operated means for operating the actuating lever comprises a key bar 4i pivotally mounted on the type unit I I and having rigidly connected therewith a finger 42 which projects rearwardly and beneath the transverse member 38 of the yoke-shaped lever 31 so that the depression of the key will elevate the lever a distance suflicient to actuate the feedingmechanism. For the purpose of automatically actuating the feeding mechanism I have mounted on the transverse member 38 ofthe actuating lever 31 a projection or b1ock.43 having its upper and lower edges inclined, as shown more particularly in Figs. 4 and 7. A trip finger 44 is pivotally mounted on the type unit ll near one end thereof for movement about a horizontal axis and the end of the finger projects beyond the rear side of the type unit into the path of the inclined projection 43 on the lever 31. This finger 44 is mounted in a housing 45 which limits its downward movement and prevents its lateral movement but leaves it free to move upwardly about its axis. When the platen unit is movable and 15 the stud 41.

the type unit is stationary it will be apparent that to the -right, to its initial position, the inclined lower face of the projection 43 will engage the 'finger 44' and will ride over the same, thereby lifting the lever 31 and actuating the web feeding mechanism. When theprojection 43 passes the finger ie the lever will drop to its normal position and when the platen unit again moves to the left thefing'er i will engage and ride over the upper inclined surface of the projection, thus passing the projection without imparting movement to the lever. If the platen unit is stationary and the type unit is traveling then the type unit will travel to theright during the typing opera--' tion and upon its return movement the finger 44 will engage the'projec tion 43 and actuate the web feeding mechanism in the same manner as .described.

When the typing of the bill form has been completed the lower portion of the bill will, of

course, be on the platen and it is necessary to further advance the feeding mechanism to move the upper end of the succeeding form into typing position on the platen. This is accomplished by grasping the handle on the feeding device and manually movingthe' same to the-upper limit of its movement. When the feeding device reaches the upper limit of its movement the web gripping means is automatically actuated to release the webs and permit the feeding device to be restored to its initial position by again actuating the same by means of the handle 46. This return movement is possible due tothe fact that the operating pawl 36 is normally out of engagement with the' ratchet wheel. In the form here shown the web gripping pins are displaced by means of studs 41 carried by a transverse portion of the frame and arranged beneath the path of the webs to engage the inner portions of the pins and press the same outwardly as the feeding device nears the upper limit of its movement. The gripping pins 21 are preferably provided in their inner ends with slots 48 to receive the projections 41, the base of each slot being inclined to facilitate the movement-f the pin by As the webs move over the studs 4'| the adjacent portions of the webs will be displaced or bent outwardly and when the gripping pins 26 have been moved out of the openings in the webs the resiliency of the displaced portions will cause the webs to drop over the studs 41 which will engage the upper edges of the openings and hold the webs against movement while the feeding device is being returned to its m itial position. During this return movement of the feeding device the gripping pins will ride over the surface of the outer web and when the feeding device reaches its initial position they will spring into the openings in the succeeding webs and thus again establish the operative connection between the feeding device and the webs. It will be noted that the feeding device may move to a position close to the upper edge of the platen, thereby requiring but a slight projection of the webs beyond the platen. When multiple bill forms are typed in this manner the outer form or forms are usually detached but the forms on the lowermost web are not detached and remain connected one to the other and constitute a record sheet. After the feeding device has been returned to its initial position the outer forms, which are to be detached, are released from the projections or studs 4! and are" severed from the webs along the edge of the outer bar of the feeding device, which is sharpened at 48 to provide a cutting edge. Upon the next operation of the feeding mechanism the lower web travels over a guide 49 and the record forms are deposited in ,5

the rear of the machine.

The sheets of carbon paper, by means of which the multiple'copies are produced, are supported lengthwise of the platen between the adjacent webs so that the webs may move across the car- 10 bon sheets, this being possible due to the arrangement of the platen and the manner in which the webs are fed across the. same. It is desirable, however, that the sheets of carbon paper should be movable in the direction of movement of the 15 webs so as to utilize substantially the full width of the sheets. The arrangement of the platen is such as to provide a relatively wide clear space beneath the platen into which the lower portion of a sheet or strip of carbon paper may extend 20 while the upper portion thereof is in operative position on the platen. As the carbon paper is moved across the platen the upper portion thereof will be projected above'the platen into the space which was occupied by the feeding device 25 at the beginning of the feeding operation. In the present construction I have mounted on the frame of the platen unit, at one end of the platen, a support for the carbon paper, which is here shown as a housing 59 adapted to rotatably sup- 30 port a roll of carbon paper, as shown at 5|. This roll may consist of a single strip of carbon paper or of a plurality of superimposed strips, depending upon the number of webs which are to be typed. The carbon paper is carried from 35 the roll 5| lengthwise of the platen to the opposite end thereof where it is secured by means of a suitable fastening device, here shown as a clamping device comprising a base member 52 and a clamping member 53 pivotally mounted 40 at one end on the base 52 and adapted to have its other end secured to the base by a headed stud 54. This clamping device holds the carbon taut during the typing operation and when the carbon paper has been exhausted the clamping bar 5 53 is released, a new section of carbon paper drawn into position above the platen and the ex hausted section torn off along the edge of the clamping bar. Both the support 59 for the carbon paper and the clamping device are mounted 5 for movement in the direction of movement of the webs, and, as here shown, the inner wall of the housing 59 and the base 52 of the clamping device are provided with T-shaped slots 55 to receive .T-shaped tracks 59 rigidly secured to the 55 side frame members It. The inner wall of housing 50 and the base 52 of the clamping device are provided along their rear edges with toothed racks 51 which mesh with pinions 58 rotatably mounted on the respective frame members. Each pinion 0 58 meshes with a pinion 59 arranged beneath the same and rigidly secured to the shaft 34 which carries the ratchet wheel 35. Consequently upon each operation of the web feeding mechanism the carbon support-ing devices will be moved in the 5 same direction that the web is moved but the ratio of the gears 58 and 59 is such that the carbon paper supporting devices will be moved a distance substantially less'than the distance that the webs are moved. In the present instance the carbon paper supporting devices are moved about one-third the distance that the webs are moved, thereby permitting the employment of sheets or strips of carbon paper of a width less than the length of the forms and as each bill form is 75.

moved across the platen the carbon strips will be moved a shorter distance in the same direction and will project beyond the platen into the space occupied by the feeding device 28 when the latter is in its initial position. The return of this feeding device to its initial position, to grip the succeeding forms, will automatically cause the carbon paper supporting devices to be retracted to move the carbon strips to their lowermost positions. To permit of the free movement of the webs across the carbon strips and to prevent the perforations between adjacent forms, or the edges of the file openings in the webs, from engaging the lower edges of the carbon strips and tearing or marring the same, I have provided means for automatically separating the carbon strips during each feeding operation. For this purpose I provide means, controlled by the means which actuate the web feeding mechanism, for moving the lower portions of the webs toward the platen and causing the same to buckle and separate. Preferably the guide roller 2 I, about which the webs are carried to the platen, is mounted for movement toward and from the platen, as by mounting the same in bearings which are slidably mounted in guideways or slots 6| in the respective frame members. Mounted on the actuating frame 81, below the roller 2| is a second roller 82 so arranged that when the actuating lever 31 is moved upwardly, to operate the feeding mechanism, the roller 62 will act on the webs and on the guide roller 2! to move the same upwardly and thus buckle the paper. Due to the fact that the pawl 36 is supported normally out of engagement with it's ratchet wheel the paper will be buckled and.

' which may be of the usual or any suitable character and I have here illustrated a single type bar 63 and its actuating key bar 64. The type unit is also provided with suitable means for supporting an ink ribbon adjacent to the platen l1 and this means is shown as comprising a ribbon supporting frame having a transverse portion 85 and forwardly extending side portions 68, on the upper ends of which the ribbon spools 61 are mounted. The sidemembers 66 of the frame are pivotally supported at their lower outer comers on the side members of the type unit frame, as shown at 68. A spring 69 acts on the ribbon supporting frame to hold the'same normally in its operative position, the movement of the ribbon toward the platen being limited by a stop 18 engaging the lower edge of the frame. When the webs are to be threaded across the platen and into the feeding device, and the carbon paper interleaved between the webs, the ribbon supporting frame is swung outwardly about its axis 88 to moveit out of the way and thismovement carries the end of the spring BSacrdss the axis 88 of the frame so that the spring then acts to hold the frame in its retracted position. If single sheets of paper are to be typed instead of webs, the ribbon supporting frame is swung outwardly and the sheets inserted in place and connected with the feedingdevice and the ribbon 'supporting frame then returned to its operative position,

the type commonly employed in typewriters and to so connect this motor with the two units that it will actuate whichever unit is free to move. As shown in Fig. 9 the spring motor comprises the usual casing H in which-is mounted a helical 5 A spring, the free end of which is connected with a tape I2. In the present construction this motor is mounted on the type unit H and the tape is connected with the platen unit, by securing the same to a stud 13. The movement of. the 10 platen unit to the right or the movement of the type unit to the left will withdraw the tape from the casing and wind the spring so that when the movable unit is released it will be actuated by the motor. A suitable escapement is provided to con- 15 trol the operation of this motor and cause the same to impart step by step movement to the movable unit. For this purpose I have mounted on the type unit H a toothed rack bar 14 which extends for the full length thereof and I have 20 mounted on the platen unit l2, substantially midway between the ends thereof, a pawl mechanism 15 which cooperates with the rack. As here shown, the platen unit has rigidly secured thereto a forwardly extending bracket 18 between the 25 two arms of which the pawl mechanism is mounted. This pawl mechanism comprises a pawl carrier, here shown as a plate TI, arranged substantially horizontally and having its rear end arranged between the armsof the bracket 18 and 3p pivotally mounted thereon on a horizontal axis. A second plate 18 is arranged beneath the pawl carrier 11 and is pivotally connected therewith for movement about a vertical axis, as shown at 19. At its forward edge, that is, the edge adja- 35 cent to the rack bar 14, the pivoted plate 18 has a forwardly projecting part 88 constituting a pawl and adapted to engage the teeth of the rack 14. The pawl carrier 11 is supported normally in its elevated position by means of a spring 8| 40 and the pawl plate 18 is so arranged that when the pawl carrier is in its elevated position the pawl 88 will be above and out of engagement with the teeth of the rack bar 14. Pivotally mounted on the lower side of the pawl plate 18 is a pawl 82 which is movable about a vertical axis between the two stops 83 and 84, here shown as pins projecting from the pawl plate 18. A spring 85 acts on the pawl 82 tomove the same toward the stop- 84. The pawl 82 is so arranged with relation to 50 the pawl carrier that when the latter is in its elevated position the pawl 82 will be in engagement with the teeth of the rack bar 14, and, due

to the pull of the spring motor on the movable unit, will be held in engagement with the rear 55 stop 83 and will thus lock the movable unit against movement. Arranged above the pawl carrier 11 is a bar 88 having at its ends forwardly extending portions 81 pivotally mounted on the type unit. The longitudinal portion of this bar 60 86 is arranged beneath and adapted to be engaged by the type keys 84, each of which is preferably provided with a cam-shaped lower'portion '88 to engage the bar and force the same downwardly to move the pawl unit about its hori- 55 zontal axis whenever any one of the keys 8! is depressed. This downward movement of thelpawl unit carries the lower pawl 82 out of engagement with therack bar and moves the upper pawl 88 into engagement with the rack bar before the 7 lower pawl has cleared the same, thus holding the pawl unit and the rack bar against relative movement lengthwise of the base. As soon as the lower pawl 82 is moved out of engagement with the rack bar it is moved by spring 85 into engagement with the forward stop 84 in which position it is in line with the next succeeding tooth ofthe rack bar and when the type key is released the spring 8| will move'the pawl unit as a whole upwardly, thus moving the upper pawl 80 out of engagement with the rack bar and moving the lower pawl 82 into engagement therewith. The elevation of the pawl unit by the spring 8|. also restores the type key to its normal position, thus avoiding the use of a separate spring for each key. As soon as the upper pawl 80 has cleared the rack bar the action of the spring motor will impart longitudinal movement to the movable unit of the machine until the pawl 82 again engages therear stop 83, at which time the several parts of the pawl unit have been restored to their initial positions, in which they remain until a key bar is againactuated. It will be apparent that this controlling mechanism will operate to cause the spring motor to impart a step by step movement to whichever unit of the machine is movable. When the movable unit has reached the limit of its movement in one direction, that is, when the typing of a line has been completed, the movable unit is restored to its initial position and in so doing the pawl plate 18 is pressed rearwardly about its axis I9, against the action of a spring 89,-whereb-y both pawls are permitted to ride over the inclined faces of the teeth of the rack bar It.

While I have shown and described one embodiment of my invention I wish it to be understood that I do not desire to be limited to the details thereof as various modifications may occur to a person skilled in the art.

Having now fully described my invention, what I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is: I

1. In a typewriting machine, a platen unit and a type unit, one of said units being movable with relation to and in a direction substantially'parallel with the other unit, said platen unit comprising a platen fixed with relation thereto, a device to feed a web of paper over said platen, and means for actuating said feeding device, said type unit comprising type bars, keys for actuating said type bars, and means for supporting an ink-ribbon adjacent to said platen, means controlled by said type bars to cause movement to be imparted to said movable unit, said actuating means for said web feeding device comprising an upwardly movable part carried by said platen unit, arranged adjacent to said type unit, and having an inclined lower surface, and an upwardly yieldable member carried by said type unit and arranged to engage said inclined surface and impart upward movement to said part of said actuating means when said movable unit nears the limit of its movement in one direction and to ride over said part when said movable unit moves in the other direction.

2. In a typewriting machine having a nonrotatable platen, means arranged on one side of said platen to support a web of paper comprising a series of sections each having a hole near its outer end, a feeding device mounted on the other side of said platen for movement toward and from the same and including a pin movable with relation thereto and adapted to enter the hole in said web to connect said web with said feeding device, means for actuating said feeding device, and a stud supported beneath the path of said web near the outer limit of movement of said feeding device to engage said pin and move the same 011w ole in said web and adapted to enter said hole and hold said web against reverse movement while said feeding device is moved toward said platen.

3. In a typewriting machine, a non-rotatable platen, a device on one side of said platen for 5 feeding a plurality of webs of paper in superim-. posed relation across said platen, means for supporting a strip of carbon paper lengthwise of said platen and between adjacent webs, means for imparting movement to said webs to cause the same to separate and permit the free movement thereof with relation to said carbon paper, and means for actuating said feeding device to advance the webs while they are so separated.

4. In a typewriting machine, a non-rotatable platen, a device on one side of 'said platen for feeding a plurality of webs of paper in superimposed relation across said platen, means for supporting a strip of carbon paper lengthwise of said platen and between adjacent webs, means arranged on that side of said platen opposite said feeding device to move the adjacent portions of said webs toward said platenand cause the same to buckle, and means for actuating said feeding device and said buckling means in timed relation one to the other.

5. In a typewriting machine, a non-rotatable platen, a device on one side of said platen for feeding a plurality of webs of paper in superimposed relation across said platen, means for supporting a strip of carbon paper lengthwise of said platen and between adjacent webs, guide rollers between which said webs pass to said platen, said guide rollers being movable toward and from said platen, and means for moving said guide rollers toward said platen and for actuating said feeding device.

6. In a typewriting machine, a platen, a device for feeding a plurality of webs of paper in superimposed relation across said platen, carbon paper supporting means mounted near the respective edges of said webs adjacent to said platen and constituting the sole support for a strip of carbon paper extending lengthwise of said platen and between adjacent webs, said supporting means for said carbon paper being movable in the direction of movement of said webs, and means for actuating said feeding device and for imparting movement to said supporting means for said carbon paper during the feeding movement of said webs.

'7. In a typewriting machine, a non-rotatable platen, a device on one side of said platen for feeding a plurality of webs of paper in superimposed relation across said platen, means for supporting a strip of carbon paper lengthwise of said platen and between adjacent webs and comprising supporting members connected with said strip of carbon paper near the respective ends of said platen and mountedfor movement in the direction of movement of said webs, and means for simultaneously actuating said web feeding mechanism and said supporting members and for causing the latter to move a distance less than the distance said webs are moved. as 8. In a typewriting machine, a platen, a device for feeding a plurality of webs of paper in superimposed relation across. said platen, means for supporting a strip of carbon paper lengthwise of said platen and between adjacentwebs and comprising supporting members connected with said strip of carbon paper near the respective ends of said platenand mounted for movement-in the direction of movement of said webs, means for actuating said web feeding device, and means operated by said actuating means to impart movement to said supporting members simultaneously with the movement of said feeding device.

9, In a typewriting machine, a frame, a platen rigidly mounted on said frame, a web feeding device mounted on said frame for movement toward and from said platen, a support for a roll of carbon paper mounted on said frame at one end of said platen, a clamping device for said carbon paper mounted on said frame at the other end of said platen, said carbon paper support and said clamping device being movable transversely to said platen and each having a toothed rack, an actuating device for said web feeding device comprising a rotatable member, pinions mounted on said frame, meshing with the respective racks and operatively connected with said rotatable member, and means for operating said rotatable member.

10. In a typewriting machine, a platen unit and a type unit, one of said units being movable with relation to the other unit, said platen unit having means to support a plurality of .webs of paper, a platen fixed with relation to said unit above said web support, a feeding device mounted beyond said platen for reciprocatory movement and having means for gripping said webs and moving the same across said platen, means for supporting a strip of carbon paper lengthwise of said platen and between said webs and movable in the direction of movement of said webs, mechanism for actuating said web feedingdevice and said carbon paper supporting means, said mechanism comprising a movable member having a part arranged adjacent to said type unit, said type unit comprising type bars, keys to actuate said type bars, and means for supporting ,an ink ribbon adjacent to said platen, a device carried by said type unit to engage and actuate said movable member of said actuatingmechanism when said movable unit nears the limit of its movement in one direction, and means controlled by said type keys for imparting movement to said movable unit.

11. In a typewriting machine, a platen unit and a type unit, one of said units being movable with relation to the other unit, said platen unit having means to support a plurality of webs of paper, a platen fixed with relation to said unit above said web support, a feeding device mountedbeyond said platen for reciprocatory movement and having means for gripping said webs and moving the same across said platen, means for supporting a strip of carbon paper lengthwise of said platen and between said webs and movable in the direction of movement of said webs, mechanism for actuating said web feeding device and said carbon paper supporting means, said mechanism comprising a movable member having a part arranged adjacent to said type unit, a roller carried by said movable member, a second roller mounted above the first roller for movement toward and from said platen and about which said webs extend, said type unit comprising type bars, keys 'to actuate said type bars, and means for supporting an ink ribbon adjacent to said platen, a device carried by said type unit to engage and actuate said movable member of said actuating mechanism-. when said movable unit nears the limit of itsmovement in one direction, and means controlled by said type bars for imparting movement to said movable unit.

12. In a typewriting machine, a base, a platen unit movabiy mounted on said base, a type unit mounted on said base for movement parallel to the line of movement of said platen unit, means to lock either of said units against movement, said platen unit comprising a non-rotatable platen, a device to feed a web of paper over said platen, and means to actuate said feeding device,

said type unit comprising type bars, keys to actu- 5 ate said type bars, and means to support an ink ribbon adjacent to said platen, an operating device mounted on one of said units and connected with the other unit to impart movement to that unit which is not locked, an escapement actuated w by said type keys to control the movement of said unlocked unit by said operating device, and means carried by said type unit to operate the actuating device for said web feeding device.

13. In a typewriting machine, a base, a platen 15 unit movably mounted on said base, a type unit mounted on said base for movement parallel to the line of movement of said platen unit, means to lock either of said units against movement, said platen unit comprising a non-rotatable 20 platen, a device to feed a web of paper over said platen, and means to actuate said feeding device, said type unit comprising type bars, keys to actuate said type bars, and means to support an ink ribbon adjacent to said platen, an operating de- 25 vice mounted on one of said units and connected with the other unit to impart movement to that unit which is not locked, a toothed bar mounted on and extending lengthwise of said type unit, a pawl carrier mounted on said platen unit for vertical movement with relation to said toothed bar, two pawls carried by said pawl carrier and arranged to be moved alternately into engagement with'said toothed bar by the vertical movement of said pawl carrier, one of said pawls being movable in a direction substantially parallel with said toother bar, stops to limit the movement of said pawl, a spring tending to move said pawl toward one of said stops and means controlled by said type keys for imparting vertical movement to said 40 pawl carrier.

14. In a typewriting machine, a base, a platen unit movably mounted on said base, a type unit mounted on said base for movement parallel to the line of movement of said platen unit, means to lock either of said units against movement, said platen unit comprising a non-rotatable platen, a device to feed a web of paper over said platen, and means to actuate said feeding device, said type unit comprising type bars, keys to actu- 5o ate said type bars, and means to support an ink ribbon adjacent to said platen, an operating device mounted on one of said type units and connected with the other unit to impart movement to that unit which is not locked, a toothed bar mounted on and extending lengthwise of said type unit, a pawl carrier mounted on said platen unit for vertical movement with relation to said toothed bar, a pawl mounted on said pawl carrier for movement about a vertical axis and so arranged that when said pawl carrier is in its normal position said pawl will be out of engagement with said toothed bar, a spring to resist the movement of said pawl about its axis, a second pawl pivotally mounted on the first mentioned pawl for movement about a vertical axis, and so arranged that when said pawl carrier is in its normal position said second pawl will be in engagement with said toothed bar, stops to limit the movement of said second pawl with relation to the first mentioned pawl, a spring to movesaid second pawl into engagement with one of said stops, and means controlled by said type keys to impart vertical movement to said pawl carrier to cause said pawls to alternately engage said toothed bar.

15.,In a, typewriting machine, a base, a platen unit movably mounted on said base, a type unit mounted on said base for movement parallel to the line of movement of said platen unit, means to lock either of said units against movement, said platen unit comprising a non-rotatable platen, a device to feed a web of paper over said platen, and means to actuate said feeding device,

said type unit comprising type bars, keys to actuate s aid type bars, and means to support an ink ribbon adjacent to said platen, means for imparting movement to that unit which is not locked, a part carried by the actuating means for said web feeding device, arranged adjacent, to said type unit and having an inclined lower surface, an upwardly yieldable member carried by said type unit and arranged to engage the inclined surface of said part when said movable unit approaches the limit of its movement in one direction and thereby impart operative movement to said web feeding device and'to ride over said part when saidmovable unit is moved in the opposite direction, and means actuated by said key bars for controlling the movement of said movable unit. l

16. In a typewriting machine adapted to operate on a continuous web of paper, a platen unit comprising a rigid frame including side members spaced apart and having their forward edge portions substantially parallel with the line of movement of the web, a stationary platen supported on said frame members near the forward edges thereof, web guiding means on one side of said platen, a web feeding device slidably mounted on the forward portions of said frame members for movement lengthwise thereof, an actuating member mounted separately from'and in the rear of said feeding device for forward movement in the direction of movement of said webs and connected with said feeding device to control the movement thereof on said frame members, said actuating members extending across said platen to permit said feeding device to be moved close to said platen, and means for imparting step by step movement to said actuating member.

17. In a typewriting machine adapted to operate on a continuous web of paper, a platen unit comprising frame members spaced apart and having their forward edge portions substantially parallel with the line of movement of the web, a stationary platen supported on said frame members near the forward edges thereof, web guiding means on one side of said platen, a web feeding device slidably-mounted on the forward portions of said frame members for movement lengthwise thereof on the other side of said platen, an endless actuating member mounted in the rear of said feeding device and having its forward stretch substantially parallel with the line of movement of said feeding device and connected with said feeding device to control the movement thereof on said frame members, said actuating member extending across said platen to permit said feeding device o be moved close to said platen, and means for imparting step by step movement to said endless member.

18. In a typewriting machine adapted to operate on a continuous web of paper, a platen unit comprising. frame members spaced apart and having their forward edges substantially parallel with the line of movement of said web, a stamovably tionary platen supported on said frame members being located on the inner side of the outer edge of said platen to permit said feeding device to 15 be moved close to said platen, and means for actuating said sprocket chains.

19. In a typewriting machine adapted to operate on a continuous web of paper, a platen unit comprising frame members spaced apart and 25 having their forward edges substantially parallel with the line of movement of the web, a stationary platen supported by said frame members near the forward edges thereof, a web guiding device mounted on one side of said platen for 25 movementtoward and from the same and having means to cause the web to move therewith, a web feeding device slidably supported on the edge portions of said frame members on the other side of said platen, an actuating device mounted 30 in the rear of and connected with said feeding device and movable lengthwise of said edges of said frame members, means for imparting step by step movement to said actuating member, and means for simultaneously operating said means 35 and moving said web guiding device toward said platen;

20. In a typewriting machine, a platen unit and a type unit, one of said units being movable with relation to and in a direction substan- 40 tially parallel with the other unit, said platen unit comprising upright frame members spaced apart and having their forward edges substantially parallel with the line of movement of the web, a stationary platen supported by said frame 45 members near the forward'edges thereof, web guiding means on one side of said platen, a web feeding device slidably supported on the edge portions of said frame members on the other side of said platen, an actuating member mount- 5\ ed in the rear of and connected with said feeding device and movable lengthwise of said edges of said frame members, and means for advancing said actuating member with a step by step movement, said type unit comprising type bars, keys 55 for actuating said type bars, and means for sup porting an ink ribbon adjacent to said paten, means carried by said type unit to operate the means for advancing said actuating member, and means actuated by said type keys to control the movement of said movable unit.

21. In a typewriting machine, a platen unit and a type unit, one of said units being movable with relation to and in a direction substantially parallel with the other unit, said platen unit comprising upright frame members spaced apart and having their forward edges substantially parallel with the line of movement of the web, a stationary platen supported by said frame members near the forward edges thereof, web guiding means on one side of said platen, a web feeding device' slidably supported on the edge portions of said frame members on the other side of said platen, an actuating member mounted in the rear of and connected with said feeding device and movable lengthwise of said edges of said frame members, means comprising a ratchet wheel to impart stepby step movement to said actuating member, a pawl to actuate said ratchet and an actuating device for said pawl movably mounted on said platen unit and having a part arranged adjacent to said type unit, said type unit comprising type bars, keys for actuating said type bars and means for supporting an ink ribbon adjacent to said platen, means carried by said type unit to automatically operate said part of said pawl actuating device, and a manually omrated device carried by the type unit and having a partarranged to actuate said part of said pawl actuating device in all relative positions of said units, and means actuated by said type keys to control the movement of said' movable unit. I

22. In a typewriting machine having a nonrotatable platen, means for feeding a web of paper across said platen, comprising a device mounted on one side of said platen for movement toward and from the same and having means to engage the web and connect the same therewith, means for moving said device step by step from said platen, and means arranged near the outer limit of movement of said device to disengage the web therefrom and hold said web against rearward movement when said device is moved toward said platen.

23. In a typewriting machine having a nonrotatable platen, a device to feed a web of paper across said platen comprising parallel members spaced apart to receive the web between them, an inwardly extending pin movably mounted on one of said members and adapted to enter an aperture in the web, the other-of said members having a slot into which said pin extends, means for moving said device step by step from said platen, and a projection arranged to enter said slot as said device nears the outer limit of its movement .and to engage said-pin and move the same out of said aperture.

24. In a typewriting machine having a nonrotatable platen, a device to feed a web of paper across said platen comprising parallel members spaced apart to receive the web between them, an inwardly extending pin movably mounted on one of said members and adapted to enter an aperturev in the web, the other of said members having a slot into which said pin extends, means for moving said device step by step from said platen, and a projection arranged to enter said slot as said device nears the outer limit of its movement and to engage said pin and move the same out of said aperture, and to then hold said web against reverse movement when said device is moved toward said platen.

25. In a typewriting machine, a platen unit and a type unit, one of said units being movable with relation to the other unit in a direction substantially parallel thereto, said platen unit comprising an upright frame, a non-rotatable platen mounted on said frame, a web feeding device mounted on said frame above said platen for movement toward and from said platen and having means to engage said web and connect the same therewith, means supported on said frame to move said web feeding device step by step from said platen, and means arranged near the outer limit of movement of said feeding device to disengage the web therefrom and hold the web against reverse movement when said feeding device is moved toward said platen, said type unit comprising type bars and keys for actuating said type bars, means controlled by said keys to impart step by step movement to the movable unit, and

means carried by said type unit to actuate said 5 web feeding device. 26. In a typewriting machine, a platen unit and a type unit, one of said units being movable with relation to the other unit in a direction substantially parallel thereto, said platen unit compris- -10 ing an upright frame, a non-rotatable platen mounted on said frame, a web feeding device mounted on said frame above said platen for movement toward and from said platen, said device having a movable part adapted to extend 15 through an aperture in the web'and connect the same with said device, and means mounted near the outer limit of movement of said feeding device to move said part out of said aperture and to hold saidweb against reverse movement when 20 said feeding device is moved toward said platen, said type unit comprising type bars and keys for actuating said type bars, means controlled by said keys to impart step by step movement to the movable unit, and means carried by said type unit to 26 actuate said web feeding device.

27. In a typewriting machine, a platen unit and a type unit, one of said units being movable with relation to the other units in a direction substantially parallel thereto, said platen unit compris- 3'0 ing an upright frame, a non-rotatable platen side of the path thereof to engage said pin and 40 move the same out of said aperture and to then enter said aperture, said type unit comprising type bars and keysfor actuating said type bars, means controlled by said keys to impart step by step movement to the movable unit, and means 45 carried by said type'unit to actuate said web feeding device. I I

28. In a typewriting machine, a type unit and a platen unit supported independently of said type unit, one of said units being movable with 50 relation to and in a direction substantially parallel with the other unit, said platen unit comprising a, platen fixed with relation thereto, a reciprocatory device having means to engage the upper portion of a web of paper and feed the 65 same over said platen, a sprocket chain mounted in the rear of and extending across said platen and connected with said feeding device, a sprocket wheel for imparting movement to said chain, and

a pawl and ratchet mechanism for imparting step 60 by step movement to said sprocket wheel, said type unit comprising type bars and keys for actuating the same, means carried by said type unit and controlled by the movement of said movable unit to operate said pawl and ratchet mecha- 5 nism, and meanscontrolled by said type keys to cause movement to be imparted to said movable unit.

29. In a typewriting machine, a non-rotatable platen, a device on one side of said platen for 7 feeding a plurality of webs of paper in superimposed relation across said platen, supporting members mounted near the respective endsof said platen for movement with relation thereto in a direction parallel with said webs, one of said 7 feeding'a plurality of webs of paper in superimposed relation across said platen, supporting members mounted near the respective ends of said platen for movement with relation thereto in a direction parallel with said webs, one of said supporting'members having means for supporting a roll of carbon paper and the other of said supporting members having means for securing thereto the end of said carbon paper, means for causing said supporting members to move in'unison, and operating mechanism connected with the'last mentioned means and with said web feeding device.

31. In a typewriting machine, a non-rotatable platen, a device on one side of said platen for feeding a plurality of webs of paper in superimposed relation across said platen, supporting members mounted near the respective ends of said platen for movement with relation thereto in a direction parallel with said webs and each having a longitudinal series of teeth, one of said supporting members having means for supporting a roll of carbon paper and the other of said supporting members having means for securing thereto the end of said carbon paper, actuating members cooperating with the teeth of the respective supporting members to impart movement to said members, mechanism for actuating said web feedingdevioe, and an operative connection between said actuating mechanism and the actuating members for'said carbon paper supporting members.

' 32. In a typewriting machine, a non-rotatable platen, a device on one side of said platen for feeding a plurality of webs of paper in superimposed relation across said platen, supporting members mounted near the respective ends of said platen for movement with relation thereto in a direction parallel with said webs and each having a longitudinal series of teeth, one of said supporting members having means for supporting a roll of carbon paper and the other of said supporting members having means for securing thereto the endof said carbon paper, gears mesh-- ing with the teeth of said supporting members platen, a device to feed a web of paper over. said platen, and means to actuate said feeding device,

said type unit comprising type bars, keys'to actu-" ate said type bars, and means to support an ink with the other unit to impart movement to that unit which is not locked, and means actuated by said type keys to control the movement of said unlocked imit of said operating device.

34. In atypewriting machine, a base, a platen unit movably mounted on said base, a type unitv mounted on said base for movement parallel to the line of movement of said platen unit, means to lock either of said units against movement, said platen unit comprising a non-rotatable platen, a device to feed a web 'of paper over said platen, and means to actuate said feeding device, said type unit comprising type bars, keys to actuate said type bars, and means to support an ink ribbon adjacent to said-platen, an operating device mounted on one of saidunits and 10 connected with the other unit to impart movement to that unit which is not locked, a toothed bar rigidly secured to and extending lengthwise of said type unit, a device secured to said platen unit and having a part adjacent to said bar, and 15 means controlled by said keys to move said part into and out of engagement with the teeth of said bar, the last mentioned device also having means to limit the movement of the unlocked unit when said part is out of engagement with 20 said bar.

35. In a typewriting machine, a platen unit and a type unit, one of said units being movable with relation to the other and in a direction substantially parallel with said other unit, 25

said platen unit comprising a rigid frame including upright members spaced one from the other and having their'forward edges inclined upwardly and rearwardly, a platen mounted in a fixed position on said frame members and spaced from the lower ends or said inclined edges, a guide for a web of paper arranged near the lower. edge of said inclined edges, a feeding de vice 'slidably mounted on said upright members I formovement n wise of said inclined edges and having means for connecting. the upper portron of said web. of paper' therewith, actuating mechanism mounted on said frame members in the rear of said inclined edges and connected with said feeding device, said part of said actuating mechanism extending below the upper edge of said platen to enable it to move said feeding device close to said platen, and means for advancing said part of said actuating mechanism with a step by step movement, said type unit comprising type bars, keys for actuating said type bars, means for supporting an ink ribbon adjacent to said platen, and means actuated by said type keys to control the movement of said movable unit.

36. In a typewriting machine comprising a platen unit having a platen and means for feeding a sheet of paper upwardly across said platen in a substantially flat condition with the lower portion of said sheet hanging below said platen, and a type unit having type bars and means for actuating the same, one of said units being movable with relation to and substantially parallel with the other unit, an ink ribbon supporting device movably mounted on said type unit, retained normally in a position to support said ink ribbon in operative relation to said platen and movable (to an inoperative position to facilitate the insertion of the paper in said machine, said device having a part so arranged that when said device is in its operative position said part will be in a position close to that portion of the sheet of paper which hangs below said platen and will retain the same in proper position with relation to said platen.

' 3'1. In. a typewriting machine comprising a platen unit having a platen and means for feeding a sheet of paper upwardly across said platen in a substantially flat condition with the lower portion of said sheet hanging below said platen, and a type unit having type bars and means for actuating the same, one of said units being movable with relation to and substantially parallel with the other unit, an upright frame arranged in front of said platen, having at its upper end means for supporting an ink ribbon and pivotally mounted at its lower end on said type unit to move said ribbon into operative relation to said platen or into a position remote from said platen, said frame also having a transverse member so arranged that when said ribbon is in said operative position said transverse member will be in a position close to that portion 01' said sheet of paper which hangs below said platen and will retain the same in proper relation to said platen, and means for retaining said frame nort 

